In this stage of the inquiry process students are getting ready to begin to find answers to the "Big" question asked within the context of the content being studied. To do this they need to
Select and use a plan for gathering ideas and information
Ask general and specific questions on topics and questions using predetermined categories of the topics or questions.
Identify relevant personal knowledge and understanding of a topic or questions and consider PURPOSE for individual and group inquiry or research.
Recording, selecting and sharing personal knowledge and understanding of a topic or questions to FOCUS inquiry or research
Idea: Hang a clothesline in your room and give out paper and clothes pins. Students can write their questions on paper and hang their questions on the line as they arise; change the order of questions as they see fit; and move the question to the closet as they get it answered or as the source has been identified. Students can then go the closet to collect what they need as they work on the unit.
There are other metaphors that work as well. Connect the idea to your unit: a large tree branch and hang paper leaves with questions on them, or perhaps bring in a ladder and attach notes, or maybe use a dart board .....
Select and use a plan for gathering ideas and information
Consider personal knowledge of a topic or question to determine inquiry or research needs
- Graphic Organizers (from Houghton Mifflen Harcourt) and from EdHelper
- Brainstorming & Webbing using online mind-mapping tools e.g. bubbl.us
- Activation guides
- Class discussion, Circle Talk
- Interview (teacher in role, student in role)
- Write in role (as the expert, or from another perspective)
- Improvisation ("what if we were all _? What would we do if happened?)
- Draw a picture that shows what you know about __. You might use thought bubbles to explain your thinking.
Find background informationAsk general and specific questions on topics and questions using predetermined categories of the topics or questions.
Identify relevant personal knowledge and understanding of a topic or questions and consider PURPOSE for individual and group inquiry or research.
Recording, selecting and sharing personal knowledge and understanding of a topic or questions to FOCUS inquiry or research
There are other metaphors that work as well. Connect the idea to your unit: a large tree branch and hang paper leaves with questions on them, or perhaps bring in a ladder and attach notes, or maybe use a dart board .....
Preparing | Finding | Using | Sharing | Evaluating |